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I asked my surgeon generally about this because I am also looking to have kids in a few years after the sleeve. When I asked specifically about weight gain, my dietician said that most women gain way too much weight with their pregnancies and that it should really only be about 25 to 30 pounds of weight gain for a healthy woman. She told me that it will be easier to gain with the sleeve (since it doesn't have a malabsorptive aspect by itself), but that women also gain normally after gastric bypass. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Honestly as I read this I thought you were talking about my experience! I had surgery on 11/15, and I'm too at a stall for weeks now.. it's really depressing because I didn't imagine this part of the journey so soon after surgery. I always thought I'd hit a stall way later on in my journey. Also, around week 2.5 post op, I had to rushed to the ER and admitted for 5 days because I was severely dehydrated, couldn't swallow anything... not even pain meds. I went from 288 to 271 and when I was discharged I gained a whopping 10lbs in the hospital! Granted, I know it was all attributed to IV fluids. No I'm almost 4 weeks out and... I'm at 273... still trying to lose the 2lbs I lost right after surgery and I'm struggling with this stall/weight gain that's messing with my mind... Anyone out there experiencing the same? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My name is Mel, I am 31 years old & I have just finished all my requirements prior to submitting my Prior Authorization request to Insurance. Before I do, I have to tell my patient advocate if I want the Rouxen-Y or the Sleeve. I am a little unsure. I am 270 lbs, 5'3", I am at my highest. I am lucky to have an insurance plan that covers WLS at 90%. I recently entered into a relationship with a great man and her is very supportive of my choice to do this. However, recently the topic of children came up. Now, I had my tubes tied 7 years ago and I have 2 boys ages 7 & 11. He, however, does not have any children. And he wants to have 1, just 1. Now I have read online how you should wait between 12-18 months post surgery before you try to have a baby. And I am currently researching TR & IVF options. I am doing all the research now so I know what I am getting into. I am wondering, has anyone else ever gone through this situation? If so, I am wondering, if I am planning to have a baby later is it best for me to.... 1. Rouxen-Y or the Sleeve? 2. Whats the weight gain like? will I regret it? 3. Will I be able to nourish an unborn baby adequately? 4. Will getting pregnant cause damage to my existing WLS? 5.... is there anything else I should consider? Any feed back is greatly appreciated. I really want to be able to make a good choice before I decide which surgery to go with.

The first few weeks can be challenging for many - physically and psychologically. Your stomach and your mind have to acclimate to profound changes. It's also common for your weight to fluctuate more then. I didn't even weigh myself for the first couple of weeks because I anticipated having gained weight from the anesthesia pumped into me for the surgery, and then a roller coaster of gain and loss as my body healed. I anticipated the infamous "three week stall" so many others experienced. I hadn't wanted to be discouraged, so I had my husband put the scale on a shelf that requires dragging out the step ladder to reach until things were more stabilized. I wouldn't really quantify the three pounds you gained as actual weight gain, considering that it came on the heels of a 17 pound rapid weight loss. Anytime you lose weight too fast it's common to gain some of it back. It's why the trendy juice cleanses and detox quackery usually cause people to drop weight fast, and then gain a portion of it back even faster. To me the positive to focus on is that you lost 17 pounds, but only gained back three of it. Meaning you've already lost 14 pounds since surgery just a few weeks ago. If you had a child who was recovering from a surgery and prescribed a diet specifically designed to help her heal, would you permit her to defy it and eat things that could jeopardize that process? I doubt you would. Love yourself as much as you'd love someone whose care is your responsibility. It's not a diet like ones you've probably followed in the past that is to help you to lose weight, though that's a side benefit. It's a medical diet, not unlike other ones people follow prior to or after a surgery or medical / dental procedure. As an example, one of my colleagues just had her teeth whitened and has to only eat white or clear foods for a couple of days to avoid discoloration, and another has been open about having to only eat certain foods in preparation for a colonoscopy. You might not have gotten sick yet, but you're chancing it by eating things your stomach isn't ready for yet. I didn't eat solids until the one-month mark, and got sick that day, so I then reverted to liquids and soft foods for another two weeks until I felt more steady. Have you ever checked out the blog "The World According to Eggface"? It has some recipes for each of the phases following WLS. Pinterest also has a lot of ideas. I enjoyed getting a little freshly ground peanut or almond butter from Whole Foods and adding that to chocolate protein (unjury was my favorite brand) and Fair Life (higher protein) milk and ice in my Nutribullet and having a dessert-like shake. I also still make a lot of smoothies using high protein yogurt like Fage, and lower carb fruit and some frozen kale (berries will mask the taste of it, and it being frozen helps with the texture) rather than having Protein powder. Tasty Soups, like the red pepper one by Trader Joe's, also helped me to have some variety. My nutritionist had suggested egg puddings for the soft food phase, and I found a low-carb, low-sugar but tasty recipe that uses SF Torani syrup. Persevere through this challenge. It's worthwhile.

I'm 9 months out. But, I have Multiple Sclerosis and I can relate (a little) at least with a few things. The medication your on alone can cause weight gain, it sucks but not a lost cause. I'm sure any excersises are fine. As long as you listen to your body and take it easy. Gosh! You have been through a lot! I'll keep you in my prayers. As far as a meal plan? Two years out? 600 calories? I eat a cup in a half at Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I have two Snacks in between. It goes something like this. breakfast ( lunch (L) dinner (D) snacks (S) ( oatmeal w/ walnuts and honey, a boiled egg. (S) 1/2 cup low fat yogurt. (L) A lettuce wrap with turkey, tomato, thinly sliced chili pepper. (Because I like a little spice) Low fat mayo sometimes but, mostly some mustard. (S) cheese and Almonds. (D) Homemade chicken Soup with papaya, ginger, spinach and rice. (I save the broth for 45 minutes after I eat the chicken, papaya, ginger and spinach.) ( Two cups of coffee w/creamer and almond milk. (S) Pear w / Peanut Butter. (L) (Baked) 1/2 a chicken breast, cut up in cubes, roasted eggplant. (S) Whole Wheat crackers, spinach/artichoke hummus. (D) Salmon, Quinoa, and (my salad) lol, it's a salad I eat all the time. Expecially if I'm still hungry after dinner. Or whenever I still feel like I'm starving! It consists; Fresh...Spinach, purple onions and green onions cut up, cilantro, mint leaves, pepper (thinly sliced), bean sprouts. These are a few things to eat. I hope I gave you some ideas. If I missed anything specific you wanted answers to, let me know. I'll try to help. Good luck and best wishes! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using the BariatricPal App

I have it too! It was found by my opthomalogist during a routine exam a few years back. Funny thing is, I had the migraines for a bit before the diagnosis, but no one was sure what caused them. When the optho discovered the PTC, a discussion about my weight ensued.....Because of the tendency for this condition to be exacerbated by weight gain, I've tried to keep the weight to a minimum. As I get older, it's becoming harder to do.....thus I am now going thru the final stages before getting a surgery date for the SLEEVE. Good luck to you! What part of the country are you in? Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

Laceemouse, I was 324 when I had the surgery, and 372 when I started the process. I'm wicked happy about the progress trust me! I am just a little concerned because of the weight gain. Wasn't sure if it was something to be calling the Dr about. I know I can't keep up the extreme weight loss, but wouldn't that be nice still have about 100lbs to go! Thanks for the input guys. I called my NUT earlier and she did recommend increasing my calories a bit and not working out as vigorously as I have been, so I'm going to try that. I'll let you know how I do

Sounds like you may be getting too many calories, I aim for less than 1000 and I'm 5'6 at 177 right now. If you aren't working out as much you may be taking in more calories then you are burning which will cause weight gain. Hope that helps- good luck!!

I need to remember sugar free Popsicles more. I know that I'm not getting enough food in and what I'm putting in my body isn't the right food so I think you're dead on about the starvation mode. I need to get on track and today is a new day! I'm focusing today and going forward on putting the right things in my body. I'm getting nervous about my month follow-up surgery visit on the 22nd and having weight gain. I can't let that happen because of my poor decisions.

So I'm 2 months out and was at 265, with a total of 59 lbs lost since surgery and 107 total. This was my weight on Sunday. Today I weighed myself because I've been feeling a little swollen and was up 3.5lbs. I'm eating like I have been and drinking lots of water. I haven't worked out in a week. Is this a cause for concern? Is it normal? Should I call my Dr? I can't possibly be eating enough to gain real weight, I'm at about 550,600 calories a day.

Hello Everyone, I had surgery on 11/22 and I've had nothing but problems. Long story short, the surgeon put my sleeve too tight which they saw with the GI test the morning after surgery. I lost about 17 pounds between 11/22 and 11/30. Now I am up almost 3 pounds since 11/30. I'm getting down with the pain and the headache that I've dealt with because of the complication. Now that I am drastically better and the complications have lowered, I just can't get on track. I went from eating basically nothing between 11/22-11/30 to "cheating" and eating real food right now. I am still supposed to be on a liquid diet but I'm eating eating solids. I've eaten a pancake, Soup, a cookie, and I'm getting so frustrated! I know that it's my own fault but I just don't know what to eat! Protein shakes taste disgusting to me and I have hunger pains! What can I do? Help . I do not want to fail at this and cannot fail!

I am 3 1/2 years post op, and did not really follow strict diet regulations, just ate smaller amounts of just about anything. In total, I had lost 106 lbs, but recently I have gained 35 lbs back. I am getting into bad habits of eating after suppertime again - always wanting to eat at night. Is it possible my pouch has stretched back out? Can I do something to make it smaller again?

Has anyone had any experience with St. Vincent Charity Medical Centers in Cleveland, Oh for either the Bypass or Sleeve surgery? In Feb 2016, I had initially met with a Dr & Patient Advocate regarding the sleeve surgery. My husband was (and still is) against the procedure for fear of complications during & post-op, & my lack of success with other weight loss trials. Here I am 10 months later, and at least 10 lbs heavier than I was at that time. I am miserable & now I have high blood pressure again. I had been taken off the meds for it previously due to losing a significant amount of weight & not needing the meds anymore. Well, since I have gained nearly all of that weight back, my BP has gone back up & I started experiencing migraine headaches again on a regular basis. I also suffer from Pseudo Tumor Cerebri, a rare condition in the skull. Fast forward to now, I'm heavier, with high BP, headaches, knee issues from past surgeries causing issues d/t weight gain, eye troubles d/t Pseudo Tumor condition flaring up from weight gain, lots of problems. Husband still unsupportive, money & cost is an issue. Must come up with $1000 for surgery, minimum. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

well that says it all! I'm starting a reset tomorrow because I'm once again off track. It just seems so easy for me to derail these days. I'm working SUCH a terrible schedule right now and my sleep is totally disordered. I find myself eating around the clock some days just to stay awake at work, and am sleeping terribly because of the weight gain. I thought I was getting back on track pretty well but i'm rolling down the hill once again! Going to just get a tight grasp on my entire situation before I find myself back at my staring weight!!! Wish me luck- BTW i'm doing the 2 day reset and then the BOT scenario from Bariatric Eating.

Hi everyone! I'm 40yrs old, 5'5" & 235-238#, married w/2 kids. I have been losing & regaining weight since High School, but mostly now it just stays put, unfortunately. I have some health issues, migraine headaches, high blood pressure again due to weight gain, a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri which causes vision disturbances & migraines & only goes away with weight loss, bad knees, etc. I saw a Bariatric Dr in spring of 2016, but my husband talked me out of the procedure due to the cost, surgery scare tactics & shaming me about regaining the weight again like I've done so many other times after loss. I've been really thinking about the procedure often lately, I'm miserable in my body. My knees are getting really bad, none of my clothes are fitting again, I just got over a severe case of walking pneumonia where I could barely eat for a couple weeks, but I still gained 5-7#!!!! Who does that?? At this point in my life, I would rather be dead than continue gaining weight like this & look & feel miserable forever. But I am only a part time sub teacher, I can't afford the cost of the surgery without my husbands help & insurance. I can't do this alone! My oldest son is only 13, but he lives & breathes what his dad speaks. My parents probably won't agree with this procedure either. What do I do? I'm so confused right now. I know my PCP won't support this, actually I need to find a new Dr anyway. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I had it done several years ago and preop. I never noticed any weight gain over that. I did notice no more periods and no more blood transfusions. That was a good surgery also. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The scale becomes an addiction for many people. They discount the positive things that are happening with their weight loss if the scalar doesn't reflect the number they want. They build up expectations and are disappointed when it's "only" xx lbs lost. The scale is a snapshot, not scientific. Someone might weigh, eat a cupcake, then weigh again and show a loss of .5 lbs. The natural conclusion? Eat cupcakes to lose weight! Our weight is dynamic and changing all the time. Getting upset over a 1-2lb gain is going to release cortisol which is a stress hormone that promotes weight gain. Getting worried over nothing can literally give you something to worry about. I weigh once a week when I am home. More because I am curious. I'm expecting a stall any week now (haven't had one yet) and I'm not hung up on the numbers. I feel good, my clothes are getting looser, I see it in my face and hands, my rings are loose - so I know I'm going the right way.

food funerals are a very common topic on this website. I struggle to understand it, but that's just my own experience. I paid out of pocket for the procedure and so I was committed with my mind and pocketbook to making sure I am successful, no matter what. When I received my preop and post op plans, I started comparing all my food choices against my surgeon's directions. If it was something I shouldn't be eating to be successful after surgery, I tried to cut it out before starting the process. I ended up doing an extra few weeks of preop because I was anxious to get the ball rolling. The kinds of foods I crave are my nemesis, not my friends. I wouldn't mourn the loss of someone that ruined my life and ditto for the foods that contributed to my weight gain. Good riddance, I say.

Imagine if you had gained 35 lbs from the day of surgery until now. How would you feel? Would you feel like that was a normal or even moderate weight gain in that time period? For me, I haven't gained 35 lbs in the past 3 years. I would go up 10 lbs and down 10 lbs and basically stay static. If I suddenly piled on 35 lbs I would have been making a doctor's appt STAT.

errrmm no salt but i do use seasoning i am black so black people tend to cook with seasoning which can be quite salty. i made a no carb stir fry with chicken and did a big batch and ate that with my husband for 3 days maybe it was that. i dunno cos i kno i am not physically eating enough to warrant a 3lb weight gain ohhhh mannn!!!! Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things. 1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success. 2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery. 3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery. Also stress can cause weight gain. So the recommendation to stay off the scale may be appropriate.

Try this site http://www.bariatriceating.com/ Great support and great options for getting that weight gain off and keeping it off, also my doctor suggested colace 100mg once a day with sugar free Fiber chews and that has greatly helped my constipation. Wish you all the best

hi everyone. i am almost 12 weeks post op and i have lost almost 60lbs. last week Tuesday id lost 4lbs then weighed again on Wednesday and i had gained 1lb literally overnight i was like HOWW?? Then i jst weighed now and iv gained an extra 2lbs like what is going on? i am eating clean i barely touch carbs iv been eating chicken and fish with veg no carbs. i eat about 800-900 cals per day do regular excercise iv treated myself to some chocolate once a week which i have done since the start of my solid food journey and never gained so it definitely cannot be that. im pulling my hair out and feel like a failure Whats happening to my body??? Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

I was 264 and now am 146. I had the sleeve 4/14/14. I have had zero weight gain, however, I am the type to make a decision and stick with it. I made permanent changes and never backslide. I will eat something naughty at times but always stick to the overall plan. I don't drink alcohol and do not focus on food. I did the psychological work to permanently change my emotions. I have done serious work as health us a serious business. I no longer have any medical issues. Diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney and liver problems are gone. I only take an allergy pill, rather than 12 pills and 4 shots. The surgery is not a miracle, it is a tool. Your mind is the key. If you are the type that gives yourself permission to self destruct, you must take care of that. That was my approach. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have been on this forum for about a year and a half. I have seen so many posts of people worrying about excess skin after weight loss. I find this to be incredibly trite and shallow, a roadblock thrown up in the mind to justify the subconscious reasons why we put on and hold the weight to begin with. First of all, there are of course permanent consequences for getting so big that your skin has to stretch to be twice the size it would be if we were normal weight. It doesn't go back to a state in which it was as if we never were overweight. And so what? What is often unspoken in these forums is that a very overweight person worrying about how they are going to look if they lose weight because of sagging skin, is silly in a society in which obesity is considered ugly to begin with. More importantly, most of us have the surgery because our bodies and lives were becoming unmanageable due to excess weight, not to look better at speed dating. For those who are asking the question I have seen posted on this forum a million times, no your skin will not go back to being how it was before your weight gain. There is no cream, no wrap, no swanky magic that's going to make it be as if you were never overweight. The only real option for getting rid of excess skin if you are very overweight when you start, is plastic surgery. And that comes with its own price. I am not knocking people who choose to have that, I might even choose that eventually, as vanity is one of my flaws. That said, plastic surgery is very very serious, and fairly savage. And still, your body cannot look like it would have if you had never put on weight. They will be scars. Big ones. Surgery of any kind is a serious injury to the body. The point I am trying to make is that if you are considering having weight-loss surgery to save your life, stop worrying about your skin. Worry about the inner conditions that have led you to the point where this is necessary. Focus instead on changing your behaviors. Focus instead on health, not looks. We have such a distorted view of bodies in this country. Body diversity is beautiful! Stop thinking that you have to look a certain way. Be healthy. Be you. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App